But as committed as Jesus was to truth, he was exceptionally compassionate. He was frequently moved with compassion. And he rebuked the Pharisees for their lack of it.
God’s compassion is why you’re a Christian in the first place.
And if you haven’t noticed, people outside the church aren’t much attracted to compassionless, self-righteous leaders.
If you lack compassion…repent.
I have repented and am repenting. I’ve got a long way to go, but God will make the compassionless more compassionate if you ask him.
5. Leaders expect others to do what they don’t do.
Practice what you preach is one of the oldest mantras around. And yet, if you’re a preacher, it can be very hard to do.
You can convince yourself you’re exempt, or you’re just being ‘obedient’ and teaching what you’re supposed to teach, when you know you’re only half walking the walk.
Cue the big buzzer.
Pretending to be something we’re not and claiming privileges we don’t extend to others are two of five things I listed here that give pastors a bad name with unchurched people.
And remember, those of us who teach actually get held to a higher standard than others.
So, teach with fear and trembling. And humility. And accountability.
6. No one’s closer to God.
Strangely enough, the Pharisees were anxious to win converts. So am I.
Yet Jesus condemned the Pharisees, pointing out that they travel over land and sea to win a single convert, but in the process, they make him twice as much a son of hell as they are.
